Bring on the mead: NY state now licensing farm meaderies

By: The Associated Press March 21, 2019Comments Off on Bring on the mead: NY state now licensing farm meaderies

New York State is offering new licenses to operate farms for the production of mead, an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that applications for operating farm meaderies are now being accepted.

Cuomo signed legislation in December that authorizes the licensing of farm meaderies for the production and sale of mead made exclusively from New York-produced honey.

Farm meaderies are allowed to sell their products by the glass or bottle from their manufacturing facilities or tasting rooms, along with any other wine, beer, cider or spirits produced by a New York farm manufacturer.

“By creating this new license, we are building on New York’s nation-leading craft beverage industry while capitalizing on our standing as the number one honey producer in the Northeast,” Cuomo said in a statement. “New York’s craft beverages are second to none, and we are steadfast in our commitment to supporting our local craft beverage producers who are creating jobs, promoting tourism and contributing to the Empire State’s booming economy.”